Delta Gamma - University of Iowa

Spring 2017 Newsletter

Tau Chapter of Delta Gamma at the University of Iowa

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Ties to Tau page 2 A Home Away from Home House Director, Bev Palmer, Keeps Tau Chapter Running Smoothly fter graduating from high school, Bev Palmer moved to Iowa City where she and her late husband raised their five children. In 1960, Bev began working for the University of Iowa in various positions within administration and academia. During that time, she became interested in substituting for house directors who needed a weekend away, and for the past seven years, Bev has served as Tau Chapter's housemother. "While I have been at Delta Gamma, I hope that I made a difference," she said. "I have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with very committed young women. They are caring, bright, and very responsible." Bev finds beauty in the fact that no two days are alike in this role. Whether she is assisting the kitchen and housekeeping staff, arranging house maintenance, or assisting Chapter members in their various needs, her days are consistently diverse. "I have had so many wonderful experiences here at Delta Gamma, it is difficult to name just one," she said. "The feeling of everyone working together to put together a successful recruitment. Helping pull off a successful composite day in just a few hours. Assisting young women organize a successful Anchor Splash®, Founders' Day, Dad's Weekend, Mom's Weekend, and Thanksgiving dinner. There are many rewarding experiences that come to mind." To celebrate the holidays, Bev always decorates the house in the winter and hides more than 100 Easter eggs in the spring, and for the past six years, Bev has participated in a surprise appearance with fellow house directors at Dance Marathon. In 2014, the Chapter nominated her for the Outstanding Support Staff award and she was surprised with a "Bev Appreciation Day" last year. At the event, the Chapter came together, showering her in balloons, flowers, speeches, and a decorated journal filled with notes from Chapter members. "It is always hard to say goodbye to our graduates, but it makes my heart sing when they come back for a visit," she said. "My advice to current members: Delta Gamma is not just four years, but a lifetime. Leave a legacy for the young women who follow your path to 'Do Good.'" Bev can be reached at bandbpalmer@q.com. " My advice to current members: Delta Gamma is not just four years, but a lifetime. Leave a legacy for the young women who follow your path to ' Do Good. '" or the past 15 years, Sharon Thayer has spent hours in the Tau Chapter house kitchen cooking delicious meals for the active members of Delta Gamma. She has tried to replicate parent's recipes, served countless amounts of soup and salads, and prepared a Thanksgiving production each year—all to see "her girls'" smiling faces. "I get to see what they're like and interact with them. I see if they're quiet or anxious and have that personal touch with them," she said. "It's not just about the food; it's about the warm smiles. They really go a long way." Sharon grew up in a small southern Iowa town, and was not involved with Greek life herself. She worked as a nurse for seven years, until she wanted a change of scenery and decided to utilize her other interest: cooking. She spent the next 13 years cooking for a deli and catering small events on the side. In August of 2002, she applied to be Tau Chapter's cook and has loved her job since. "I enjoy planning and implementing the menu, shopping for groceries, and making the meals," she said. "I get to cook for a captive audience and see the results right away. I am very lucky." When Sharon first began cooking for the Chapter, about eight members would eat supper at a time. This past Thanksgiving, with the help of Bev Palmer, Sharon cooked a feast for more than 110 people. Monday through Friday, she can be found in the kitchen making meals from scratch and using as much fresh and organic food as she can. "This is the best Chapter. I know it is," she said. "It makes such a huge difference to have a strong alumnae board that will let me do so many things." Throughout the years, Sharon has formed connections with members at the time, including allison neswold Henley '00, who was a leader in the Chapter and offered Sharon support. Years down the road, when Sharon brought dessert to Allison's wedding, she was reconnected with several Delta Gammas and witnessed firsthand the connection members continued to have, even after graduation. "I saw several DGs from Allison's class and realized the close bonds the girls made. It was a really neat experience," she said. "By the time the women are seniors I hate to see them go. I'm used to seeing their smiling faces." Throughout the years, Sharon has come to know the undergraduates on a personal level and knows which foods are their favorites. However, Sharon also cares about Tau Chapter on more than a nutritional level. "Stay close, stay in touch, and be kind and helpful to incoming recruits as some of them will become your best friends," she advises. "Give back to the Chapter. It needs your experience, support, and wisdom." Sharon and her husband, Jon, have four children, Chris, Pete, Gretchen, and Levi, nine grandchildren, and one great- grandchild. However, she also considers countless Delta Gamma women as her children as well. Sharon can be reached at iowacitymama@mchsi.com. Tau Chapter's Staple Ingredient Sharon Thayer Approaches 15 Years as ΔΓ Cook

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